Full Breakdown
Federal Corruption Trial Begins for Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao
By Drooid · · How we work
Trial Launch and Allegations
Opening statements commenced this week in U.S. District Court in Oakland, where former mayor Sheng Thao faces federal charges of bribery, fraud and public-corruption. Prosecutors allege that Thao accepted cash and other benefits from California Waste Solutions executives David Duong and his son Andy Duong in exchange for political favors, including the placement of a Duong-chosen candidate as the city’s interim head of housing and the purchase of modular homes from the company. A key government witness, political operator Mario Juarez, is expected to testify that he counted out $300,000 and placed the money in a gym bag for an unnamed official after the firm secured a recycling contract in 2015.
Background and Context
The case stems from a 2022 mayoral election in which the Duong family allegedly funded a negative-mail campaign to aid Thao’s victory. Federal investigators raided Thao’s home more than two years ago, uncovering evidence that linked the Duongs’ recycling business and their modular-housing venture, Evolutionary Homes, to city contracts. The trial follows earlier guilty pleas from Juarez and former San Leandro councilmember Bryan Azevedo, who admitted to facilitating bribe payments.
Official Statements & Responses
Assistant U.S. In defense, attorney Jeffrey Tsai had Thao stand and declared that she “did not accept any bribes” and characterized Juarez’s testimony as “pure fiction.” An attorney for Andy Duong described Juarez as a “consummate hustler” seeking a favorable deal with prosecutors.
Criticism & Opposition
Defense lawyers argue that the government’s key witness lacks credibility and that the alleged agreements for housing units never materialized.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a very strong case for the prosecution, very strong,” — Robert Weisberg, law school professor
- “In other words, inferences, winks, nods, whatever, might not be enough,” — Robert Weisberg, law school professor